The Propel Guide To EBT In Virginia

SNAP, sometimes called food stamps or just EBT, can be an essential tool for low-income households in Virginia to help supplement their grocery budget every month.

SNAP is federally funded and operates under national rules, but each state manages its own program under those guidelines. That means application steps, benefit schedules, renewal processes, and customer service details can vary depending on where you live.

Here’s what to know about EBT and SNAP benefits in Virginia.

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How does SNAP work in Virginia?#how-does-snap-work-in-virginia

In Virginia, about 818,000 people receive SNAP benefits.

If you’re looking for help covering groceries, SNAP provides monthly support through an EBT card. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month and can be used at stores that accept food stamps.

After you apply, a caseworker from your local county office will typically contact you for a phone interview to verify details like your household size, income, and expenses. Once your case is approved, benefits continue as long as you remain eligible and complete any required renewals.

How to apply for food stamps in Virginia#how-to-apply-for-food-stamps-in-virginia

There are several ways to apply for food stamps in Virginia.

Apply for SNAP online

You can apply through the official state SNAP website below.

Apply for SNAP by phone or in person

If you need help applying or prefer speaking with someone, you can

• Call the Virginia SNAP hotline at 1-855-635-4370 for information and guidance on how to apply in your county (some counties may allow you to apply by phone)
• Apply in person at a county or local benefits office

SNAP application assistance is also available through your local food bank.

What you’ll need to apply for SNAP#what-youll-need-to-apply-for-snap

When you apply, you’ll usually be asked for information and documents like:

• Proof of identity
• Information about everyone in your household, like birthdays and immigration status
• Income details, like pay stubs or benefit letters from SSI, SSDI, or Social Security Retirement
• Housing and utility costs

You do not need every document to start an application; you can submit missing information later.

Who is eligible for SNAP in Virginia?#who-is-eligible-for-snap-in-virginia

SNAP eligibility is mostly determined by your household size and income, but some applicants may have to meet additional requirements.

In general, you may qualify for SNAP if:

• Your household income is at or below state limits
• You meet work requirements (if it applies to you)
• You are a U.S. citizen, or you meet immigration requirements

When are SNAP deposits issued in Virginia?#when-are-snap-deposits-issued-in-virginia

SNAP benefits are sent out once per month in Virginia, from the 1st to 7th of every month. Your exact deposit date is on the same day every month, depending on the last digit of your case number. For case numbers ending in 0-3, you’ll receive your benefits on the 1st. For case numbers ending in 4-5 , you’ll receive your benefits on the 4th. For case numbers ending in 6-9, you’ll receive your benefits on the 7th.

Need to find your case number? Check your SNAP approval letter sent by your county or log into your CommonHelp benefits portal to find it under your case details.

If your SNAP deposit doesn't arrive when expected, review these common reasons why deposits are delayed.

How do I renew my food stamps in Virginia?#how-do-i-renew-my-food-stamps-in-virginia

SNAP benefits don’t last forever—you’ll need to renew your case (also called recertification) to keep getting them.

When to renew

Households in Virginia are certified to keep getting SNAP benefits for a length of time (called a certification period) based on their household status:

• Households where any member is homeless, subject to SNAP work requirements, or is a migrant/seasonal farm worker, must recertify every 6 months.
• Households that include at least one member who is an older adult or has a disability and no earned income may only need to renew every 12 months. An Interim Report is required at 6 months to continue receiving benefits.
• Households in which all members are 60 years of age or older or have a disability and no earned income may only need to renew every 24 months. An Interim Report is required at 12 months to continue receiving benefits.
• Under the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP), if all household members are 60 years and older and have no earned income recertification is every 3 years with no Interim Report required
• If you get SNAP through the Virginia Combined Application Project (VaCAP) you only need to recertify every 3 years with no Interim Report required. You are eligible for VaCAP if you live alone or live with others who pay their own fair share of rent and expenses, are over age 65, receive Social Security Income (SSI), and have no earned income.

Your SNAP office should send you a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

How to renew

You can usually renew:

• Online through your CommonHelp benefits portal
• By phone
• By filling out the renewal form and returning it by mail or in person

To find out the easiest way to renew in your area, call your caseworker, local office, or the Virginia SNAP hotline: 1-855-635-4370

What is an Interim Report?#what-is-an-interim-report

The Interim Report is a required form that many people who get SNAP in Virginia must complete midway through their certification period to keep receiving benefits.

Unlike a full renewal, the Interim Report is a check-in to confirm that your household information is still accurate. Most households submit an Interim Report at 6 months at the midpoint of their certification period (6 or 12 months).

Some households don’t need one, including those approved under ESAP (Elderly Simplified Application Project) or VaCAP (Virginia Combined Application Project)

You’ll typically receive the form by mail or be notified online through your CommonHelp benefits portal when it’s time to complete it.

What can I buy with EBT in Virginia?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-virginia

Under federal SNAP rules, you can use your EBT card to buy most food items meant to be prepared and eaten at home.

While SNAP benefits are strictly for groceries and related food items, some people also receive TANF, which provides cash on an EBT card for household needs, including rent, bills, and other expenses.

SNAP‑eligible foods in Virginia include:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, or canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Bread and cereals
• Snack foods, like popcorn, chips, pretzels, and candy
• Seeds and plants that grow food
• Drinks like juice, water, and iced tea
• Pantry staples like flour, olive oil, and spices
• Infant formula and baby food

What you can’t buy with SNAP in Virginia:

• Alcohol, tobacco, or vapes
• Vitamins, supplements, and medicine
• Hot food that is sold prepared and ready to eat, like rotisserie chicken or soup from a deli
• Sweetened beverages, made with sugar or artificial sweeteners, including soda, pop, cola, and energy drinks
• Pet food
• Cleaning supplies and household items
• Diapers and wipes
• Live animals (except certain seafood and animals slaughtered before pickup)

Virginia has restrictions in place starting in 2026, which means there are certain things you can no longer buy with your SNAP benefits. Starting in October 2026, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase “sweetened beverages” like soda, energy drinks, and other carbonated drinks flavored with added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

The ban on sweetened beverages DOES NOT include carbonated water which is plain or naturally flavored, milk and milk substitutes, iced tea, lemonade, juice, and hydration-focused sports drinks like Gatorade.

Where are EBT cards accepted in Virginia?#where-are-ebt-cards-accepted-in-virginia

You can use your EBT card at:

• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Farmers markets
• Some online retailers

Download Propel to find nearby stores that take EBT, plus other Virginia SNAP resources

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What SNAP changes do I need to report?#what-snap-changes-do-i-need-to-report

You may be required to report changes to your SNAP case.

In Virginia, most changes are reported during your Interim Report or recertification, but some changes must be reported sooner to avoid issues with your benefits.

If required, you should report changes within 10 days of when they happen, and no later than the 10th day of the following month. For example, if a change happens in March, you must report it by April 10.

Changes you should report right away#changes-you-should-report-right-away

Depending on your certification period and household type, you may need to report certain changes right away.

For ESAP or VaCAP households (36-month certification period), report when:

• You experience a change in household size
• Anyone in the household starts earning income from a job
• You receive lottery or gambling winnings of $4,500 or more

For most households (certification periods of 5 months or longer), report when:

• Your total household income goes over the SNAP income limit
• Work hours drop below 20 hours per week for adults with work requirements
• You receive lottery or gambling winnings of $4,500 or more

For shorter certification periods (1–4 months), report when:

• You experience a change in household size or address
• Your income increases over $125 in a given month or you change jobs
• Your child support changes (amount received or sent)
• Work hours drop below 20 hours per week for adults with work requirements
• You receive lottery or gambling winnings of $4,500 or more

Changes you can report during your Interim Report or recertification#changes-you-can-report-during-your-interim-report-or-recertification

Some updates can wait until your next required report:

• Minor changes to income that stay under reporting thresholds
• Changes to rent, utilities, or other expenses (if not tied to a move)
• Routine household updates that don’t affect eligibility right away

How to report changes#how-to-report-changes

To report a change, you can do one of the following:

• Use your state's online benefits portal, CommonHelp
• Call your local SNAP office
• Call your caseworker
• Fill out a change report form and send it by mail to your local SNAP office

If you’re unsure whether a change needs to be reported right away, contacting your SNAP office is the safest option.

How do I report a lost or stolen EBT card in Virginia?#how-do-i-report-a-lost-or-stolen-ebt-card-in-virginia

If your EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should report it as soon as possible so you can get a new one and protect yourself from EBT theft.

Here's what to do:

• Call 1-866-281-2448
• Follow the prompts to cancel your card or request a replacement

Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions

Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-ebt-card

Yes. In Virginia, your EBT card can unlock discounts and perks like:

• Free or reduced price entry to museums like the Science Museum of Virginia and the Virginia Air and Space Science Center. Find other participating museums nationwide.
• Virginia Fresh Match, which doubles your SNAP dollars at participating farmers markets, for example, if youspend $12 on produce, youget another $12 worth of produce for free. Find a location near you.

You can even qualify for low–cost internet and discounted memberships to online retailers, like Amazon or Walmart.

Can I use my SNAP benefits at restaurants in Virginia?#can-i-use-my-snap-benefits-at-restaurants-in-virginia

Yes—but only if you qualify for the Virginia Restaurant Meals Program (VRMP) which allows certain SNAP recipients to use their EBT card to buy hot, prepared meals at approved restaurants. SNAP households where all members are age 60 and over, permanently disabled, or experiencing homelessness may qualify.

Restaurants will not require tips or sales tax. If you are using multiple payment methods, let the cashier or waitress know the amount you would like charged to your EBT card.

You do not need to apply separately for VRMP. If you believe you should qualify and your transaction is denied, call the EBT customer service number at 1-866-281-2448 or your SNAP case worker.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

Yes, once your child is born, you should report your new family member to your county. More household members mean more benefits.

If you're pregnant or have a child under five years old, consider applying for the WIC program, which gives you extra benefits on top of food stamps—including things like support with breastfeeding and extra grocery benefits.

Can I use my Virginia EBT card in another state?#can-i-use-my-virginia-ebt-card-in-another-state

Yes, your EBT card works in all 50 states, as well as most U.S. territories, at any store displaying the Quest® symbol or EBT/SNAP/food stamps accepted sign.

Keep in mind that while your card will work nationwide, some states have restrictions that may prevent you from using SNAP benefits to buy items like soda or candy at local stores.

Using your card exclusively outside of Virginia for an extended period may trigger a residency review by your SNAP agency. If you move to another state permanently, you must close your Virginia case and reapply in your new state to keep receiving benefits.

How do I activate my EBT card in Virginia?#how-do-i-activate-my-ebt-card-in-virginia

To start using your Virginia EBT card, you’ll need to activate it and set your PIN. You can do this in a few different ways:

• Online at the Virginia EBT portal: Virginia ConnectEBT
• By calling the Virginia EBT customer service number: 1-866-281-2448

View our step-by-step guide on how to activate your new EBT card to learn more. Also check out how to change your PIN.

Do food stamps roll over in Virginia?#do-food-stamps-roll-over-in-virginia

Yes. In Virginia, any SNAP benefits you don’t use in a given month will roll over to the next month and stay on your EBT card. Your benefits will remain in your account—even if your case closes—as long as you still have a balance.

However, your SNAP benefits may expire if you don’t use your EBT card for a long period of time. SNAP benefits are removed after 9 months (274 days) of no activity and they can’t be replaced once they disappear.

How do I report food stamp fraud in Virginia?#how-do-i-report-food-stamp-fraud-in-virginia

If you suspect food stamp fraud in Virginia, you can report it through the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS):

• By phone: Call the Virginia fraud hotline at 1-800-552-3431
• By email: Send details to citizen.services@dss.virginia.gov

What other benefits are available to me in Virginia?#what-other-benefits-are-available-to-me-in-virginia

In addition to SNAP, you may qualify for other programs that help cover basic needs, including:

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) for cash assistance, called Cash EBT, and workforce training opportunities
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) for nutrition and breast feeding support among other benefits
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP) for free or reduced price school meals for children and Summer EBT for cash food assistance during non-school months
• Medicaid (Medical Assistance) for free or low-cost healthcare or discounts for private health plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace
• Child care assistance programs like Head Start and other free or low cost childcare options
• Energy or utility assistance programs like LIHEAP
• Housing support programs like like Section 8 housing vouchers and emergency assistance

The best way to find out what you qualify for is to apply through your state’s benefits portal or call a local benefits office.